Accident compensation claims process to be easier

Concerned over high pendency of cases with the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), the high court has taken suo moto cognisance to ensure that compensation is paid to the victim or his/her family easily and at the earliest, reports HT Correspondent.

Concerned over high pendency of cases with the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), the high court has taken suo moto cognisance to ensure that compensation is paid to the victim or his/her family easily and at the earliest.

The court has asked Advocate General of Maharashtra Ravi Kadam and Additional Solicitor General Darius Khambata to meet with the director general of police, traffic commissioner, home secretary, representatives of insurance firms and registrar (judicial) for speedier disposal of cases.

The Motor Vehicles Act provides that within 30 days of filing an accident report, the copy has to be sent to the tribunal.

This however, is normally not followed. The victim or his family member has to approach the MACT, which then issues notices to the accused and the insurance firm, causing a delay of six months.

“If the FIR copy is sent directly to the tribunal, the serving of notice by the victim can be done away with, thereby saving six months,” said the chief justice.

The court said if a criminal case is lodged, then it can go on as per the criminal law. “This will only ease and speed up the procedure of granting compensation to the victim/family,” said the chief justice.